Help us build the boat that changes what disabled people believe is possible.

The importance of the work we do.

Founded in 1993, the DSA has made a profound difference to the lives of people born with, or who have acquired, a disability. Everyone who sails with us benefits because they take part in the activity itself. We continue to develop and strive to reach and positively impact more people, more organisations, and more lives.

We welcome and support people with any physical, hidden or learning disability and mental health conditions, life-limiting illnesses, or those receiving treatment or recovering from serious illness. We are the only charity in the UK, and possibly the world, that caters for every type of disability, no matter a person's age or how complex their individual needs.

• Our boats cannot capsize or sink, are easy to use, and have genuinely good performance.
• Every year over 1,000 disabled people sail one of our purpose-built boats.
• Almost 50,000 people have sailed with the DSA over the last 30 years.
• Anyone can sail DSA boats, including people with any type of disability.
• We often have a 50/50 split between male and female sailors, which is unique.
• The DSA attracts sailors from right across the UK, of all age groups.
• Individuals, sailing clubs and 33 other charities and organisations use our boats, alongside social services.
• We offer training towards qualifications including Duke of Edinburgh and RYA awards.
• Family members, friends and carers benefit from the day's activity, promoting inclusion.
• We offer exciting competitive sailing in regattas and club events across the UK.

Safety is of paramount importance. The DSA uses the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) blue book as the basis for safety, alongside specific rules, risk assessments and policies for every activity.

See the design taking shape.

These are the latest renders of the new catamaran, now under construction with Multimarine at the Multihull Centre in Cornwall.

Unique features, designed around real needs.

Every element of the new catamaran has been considered for accessibility, comfort and independence on the water.

• Roll-on, roll-off wheelchair access to shore on both sides of the boat, with turning circles at the doors.
• Heating and air conditioning for those with little or no temperature control, common in some disabilities.
• Closeable from the weather to allow open-air sailing and protection in inclement conditions.
• Open-plan layout fits 10 people on board, with up to 4 wheelchair sailors side by side.
• Wide sliding doors that lock in position when the handle is released, for ease of wheelchair access.
• Large heads (bathroom) with a single berth and hoist for those with complex disabilities.
• Lines led to the cockpit with tabletop winch arrangements for use from a wheelchair.
• Full control of the yacht from dry, warm or cool comfort.
• 1m low window cill for outside visibility for small-stature wheelchair users.
• 2m headroom for those who cannot bend easily, and for crutch users.
• Wheelchair turning circles at 1.5m, with lift access to the hulls and to the foredeck.
• Seating in all working areas, removable tables, and an optional stern ramp for occasional use.
• All controls accessible to wheelchair users, plus easy-access life raft storage.

Designed around real needs, inside and out.

Every interior space has been planned for accessibility, comfort and independence — from the helm to the heads.

Walkthrough videos

Take a full tour of the new catamaran, inside and out.

The demand is real, and it is growing.

There are currently around 1.2 million registered wheelchair users in the UK, with a similar number estimated to be unregistered. If just 1% of registered users were interested in sailing, we would need to provide 12,000 sailing places per year. Allowing for some disinterest, this still gives a potential target client group of nearly 60,000 disabled people.

Against that need, the DSA has run at full capacity for the last seven years. The figures below are drawn from our most recent client feedback and outcomes.

What this new catamaran will do.

It is specifically designed with features for limited limb usage, smaller hands and height. It will be the first of its kind and will allow disabled adults, and especially children, to sail socially, take part in races, gain sailing qualifications, or participate as a passenger in a high-tech and safe sailing environment. It will also allow carers, families and friends to enjoy the experience, giving respite from day-to-day caring. The overall health benefits for everyone involved are significant.

The new catamaran will:

• Cater for more types of disability.
• Provide up to 1,250 new sailing places a year, a 50% increase.
• Better meet the needs of 70% of our clients, especially those aged 5 to 25.
• Ultimately save the charity money each year by reducing repair and maintenance costs.
• Provide training through apprenticeships, Duke of Edinburgh Awards and RYA qualifications.
• Be the only boat of its kind, specially designed for young people to sail and control.

A national fundraising programme, with trusts at its heart.

We have developed a national fundraising programme, undertaking research and approaching major donors to support this appeal: companies, businesses, trusts and foundations, individuals, the Lottery, other grant-making organisations and the general public, through naming opportunities, sponsorship or donations. Individuals are raising funds through their own events, and a PR campaign has begun, supported by our JustGiving page.

The DSA has allocated £50,000 from its reserves towards this project. We have a large pipeline of applications to potential donors and, with continued applications, publicity and generosity, we are working to reach our target.

Specifications

The DSA Dazcat D1500 AC accessible cruiser (figures rounded, design will develop further).

The people your grant reaches.

Thirty-three different organisations use the DSA's unique facilities, but the difference is best told through the sailors themselves.

"I don't know which is the biggest shock, them letting me drive it or finding out I can do it!"
Rueban, 16, spinal injury